Starting Solids - Spoon Feeding Versus Baby Led Weaning; Do I have to choose?
By Sarah Purcell, MS, RD, IBCLC, specialist in pediatric nutrition and feeding dynamics
Feeding your baby solids is an exciting milestone but can also feel a little daunting for many families. If you are preparing to start solids you may have heard about baby led weaning (the practice of allowing your baby to self feed large pieces of food instead of spoon feeding purees). You may be asking yourself: what method is right for my family?
Whichever method you decide, it is important to be sure your baby is ready for foods.
Most babies are ready for complementary foods (foods in addition to breastmilk or formula) around 6 months. Some may show readiness a little earlier, but we generally recommend waiting until closer to 6 months because it supports safe swallowing skills and reduces the risk of choking.
Look for readiness signs, not a specific date on the calendar. Your baby may be ready if they can:
Sit with support and have good head/neck control
Bring toys or hands to their mouth
Show interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for food)
Open their mouth when offered a spoon
Move food from the front of the mouth to the back to swallow (less “tongue-thrust” pushing food out)
If your baby was born early or has medical concerns, ask your pediatrician before starting. You may need to adjust timing and strategies based on your child’s unique needs.
Spoon-feeding can be great for:
Families wanting a more traditional approach
More control over intake from the caregiver
Babies who prefer gradual texture changes
Baby-led weaning can be great for:
Encouraging self-feeding and autonomy
Early exposure to textures
Eating together as a family
The good news is, you don’t have to choose one way or the other. Most families do a combination of spoon-fed purees and finger foods. There is no one right way to feed your baby, what matters most is that you follow safe feeding practices, offer developmentally appropriate textures, and let your baby lead the pace.
If you are interested in learning more about starting solid foods- (including important nutrients, textures, and allergens), join us for Bloom U’s Starting Solids Class, taught by Sarah Purcell, MS, RD, IBCLC. Sarah specializes in pediatric nutrition and feeding dynamics. She teaches practical strategies that help families feel confident and empowered. Sign up for Bloom U’s next Starting Solids class here: https://www.bloom-u.com/nutrition.
Sarah Purcell, MS, RD, IBCLC
Written by Sarah Purcell, MS, RD, IBCLC
Bloom Dietician specializing in pediatric nutrition and feeding dynamics